The heaviest rainfall in the past 76 years has caused widespread flooding in Dubai, while Abu Dhabi has also been severely affected, prompting authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to issue urgent weather warnings.
The UAE National Meteorological Service warned residents to prepare for extreme and unstable weather conditions, urging the public to avoid leaving their homes unless absolutely necessary.
“For your safety, please exercise caution as unstable weather conditions are expected in the coming hours. Avoid outdoor movement unless absolutely essential,” the meteorological authorities said in a public statement.
Flights Cancelled and Transport Disrupted
Heavy rainfall is expected to continue across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with video footage showing chaotic scenes, including flooded roads, submerged highways, and stranded vehicles.
As a result of the extreme weather, numerous flights have been cancelled, including Emirates flights to London Gatwick, Heathrow, and Frankfurt, as well as several FlyDubai services.
IndiGo Airlines also issued a warning, stating that intermittent flight disruptions are likely throughout the day due to intense rainfall and thunderstorms across the UAE.
Public Areas Closed, Safety Alerts Issued
In Abu Dhabi, authorities have closed public beaches and parks as a precautionary measure. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior has urged residents to remain extremely cautious and to limit travel to emergency situations only.
Photographs and videos circulating from Dubai and Abu Dhabi show severely flooded streets, stalled traffic, and infrastructure under strain, highlighting the scale of the crisis.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as emergency services remain on high alert.
